Matthews Beach Paddleboarding: North Seattle’s Hidden Gem with Mount Rainier Views

Matthews Beach Paddleboarding: North Seattle’s Hidden Gem with Mount Rainier Views

Address: 9300 51st Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Parking: Free lot (100+ spaces)
Water Body: Lake Washington
Skill Level: All levels – very beginner-friendly

Ask most Seattle paddlers to name the best Lake Washington beaches, and you’ll hear Gas Works, Madison Park, maybe Magnuson. Matthews Beach rarely gets mentioned – and that’s exactly what makes it special! This north Seattle neighborhood beach offers everything you want (sandy shoreline, calm water, great facilities, stunning mountain views) without the crowds. It’s the local secret that serious Seattle SUPers treasure!

Why Matthews Beach is Seattle’s Best-Kept SUP Secret

The “No Crowds” Advantage: While Gas Works and Madison Park are packed summer weekends, Matthews Beach maintains a relaxed, neighborhood feel. You’ll share the water with a handful of other paddlers, not dozens.

Spectacular Mount Rainier Views: From Matthews Beach’s perspective looking south across Lake Washington, Mount Rainier appears to rise directly from the lake on clear days. It’s one of THE best Rainier viewpoints for paddleboarding!

Neighborhood Beach Vibe: This is where North Seattle families come to play on Lake Washington. Friendly atmosphere, locals who know each other, that “community beach” feeling you don’t find at touristy spots.

Big Enough Sandy Beach: Matthews Beach has approximately 400 feet of genuine sandy shoreline – plenty of room to spread out without feeling cramped.

Protected Waters: The beach faces southwest, which means it’s somewhat protected from prevailing winds. Conditions stay calmer here than on more exposed Lake Washington beaches.

The Launch

Beach Layout: Matthews Beach is a crescent-shaped sandy beach about 400 feet long. The sand is soft and comfortable, sloping gently into Lake Washington.

Launch Technique: Carry your board across the sand to water’s edge. Wade out 15-25 feet until you reach knee-deep water (about 3 feet), then step on your board and start paddling.

Water Entry: Soft sandy bottom with minimal rocks or weeds. Very barefoot-friendly. The depth gradient is gradual – you can walk out quite far before water gets deep.

Depth Profile:

• Shore to 50 feet out: 1-3 feet deep (can stand)
• 50-100 feet: 4-8 feet deep (good paddling)
• Beyond 150 feet: 15-40 feet deep

Swim Area: There’s a designated swim zone with ropes/buoys during summer. Stay outside this area when paddling. The south end of the beach is better for SUP launches (fewer swimmers).

Best Times to Paddle Matthews Beach

Early Morning (6:30-9 AM) – ABSOLUTE BEST:

• Glass-calm water before any wind
• Mount Rainier often visible in clear morning air
• You might be the ONLY paddler on the water
• Wildlife most active
• Peaceful, meditative experience
• Best light for Rainier photography

Weekday Afternoons (2-5 PM):

• Still relatively uncrowded
• Easy parking
• Good weather in summer
• Warm water temps by August
• Can have beach nearly to yourself

Summer Evenings (6-8 PM):

• Beautiful evening light
• Cooler temps after hot days
• Wind usually calms
• Peaceful end-of-day atmosphere
• Locals walking dogs and strolling waterfront trail

Weekend Mornings (Before 11 AM):

• Still relatively quiet
• Good conditions
• Parking available
• Beat the afternoon beach crowd

AVOID: Summer Weekend Midday (11 AM-4 PM):

• Beach busy with families (but still way less crowded than Gas Works!)
• Swim area full
• Parking lot can fill
• Afternoon winds more likely

The Matthews Beach Advantage: Even at its busiest, Matthews Beach feels relaxed compared to popular spots. There’s no “fight for parking” stress or “navigate through 100 paddlers” anxiety.

What You’ll See From Your Board

Mount Rainier – THE Star Attraction: On clear days (roughly 100 per year), Rainier dominates the southern view. From Matthews Beach’s perspective, the mountain appears to rise directly from Lake Washington – absolutely stunning! This is one of the best Rainier views from any Seattle SUP spot.

Lake Washington Expanse: Matthews Beach faces south-southwest across the lake’s northern section. You get wide-open water views with the Bellevue/Eastside shoreline across the lake.

Cascade Mountain Views: The Cascade foothills rise beyond the eastern shore, creating a beautiful mountain backdrop.

North Seattle Shoreline: Paddle north or south along the residential shoreline. Mix of natural areas, parks, and beautiful waterfront homes.

Wildlife:

• Great Blue Herons: Common along shorelines
• Bald Eagles: Occasionally seen hunting over the lake
• Osprey: Fish-eating raptors dive-bombing the water
• Ducks & Waterfowl: Mallards, mergansers, buffleheads, goldeneyes
• Cormorants: Diving for fish
• Harbor Seals: Occasionally visit this part of Lake Washington
• Fish Activity: Jumping bass and trout create surface action

Sand Point Peninsula (South): Looking south, you can see the peninsula that Magnuson Park sits on – Sand Point.

Recommended Paddle Routes

The Rainier View Paddle (Beginner – 1-2 miles, 30-45 minutes)

Launch from Matthews Beach, paddle south (offshore about 100-200 yards) to position yourself for best Mount Rainier views. Float, take photos, enjoy the perspective. Return when ready.

Best For: Clear days when Rainier is visible, photography, scenic enjoyment

The Shoreline Cruise North (Beginner/Intermediate – 3 miles, 60-75 minutes)

Head north from Matthews Beach along the residential shoreline. Explore the waterfront homes and natural areas, paddle as far as you’re comfortable, then return. Stay within 100-200 yards of shore.

Highlights: Peaceful paddling, interesting shoreline, always close to escape routes

The Magnuson Park Connection (Intermediate – 5 miles, 90-120 minutes)

Paddle south from Matthews Beach toward Magnuson Park (approximately 1.5 miles). Explore Magnuson’s mile-long shoreline, then return north to Matthews Beach. This is a legitimate distance paddle.

Skill Required: Intermediate distance paddling experience, good fitness, proper safety gear

The North Lake Exploration (Intermediate – Variable Distance)

Head north from Matthews Beach to explore the northern reaches of Lake Washington. You can paddle several miles north along increasingly residential and natural shoreline. Turn back whenever you’ve had enough.

What Makes It Intermediate: You’re committing to distance, getting farther from your launch point, need good fitness for return journey

Parking & Access (Very Good!)

Parking Lot: Matthews Beach has a good-sized free parking lot with 100+ spaces.

Fill Times:

• Summer weekends: Can fill 11 AM-5 PM on very hot days (85°F+)
• Summer weekdays: Rarely full
• Spring/Fall: Almost always has spaces
• Winter: Empty except sunny weekend afternoons

Street Parking: Additional street parking available on nearby residential streets (51st Ave NE). Be respectful of neighborhood – don’t block driveways.

Walk from Parking: About 100-200 yards from lot to beach. Paved path makes it easy to carry gear.

Pro Tip: Even on busy days, Matthews Beach parking is much easier than Madison Park or Gas Works. Arrive by 10:30 AM summer weekends and you’ll be fine!

Facilities

Restrooms: Clean public restrooms near parking lot (open year-round, dawn to dusk)

Outdoor Showers: Rinse-off showers near restrooms – perfect for post-paddle cleanup

Picnic Areas:

• Multiple picnic tables throughout park
• Grassy lawn areas for spreading out
• Some covered shelter

Playground: Good-sized play structure for kids

Walking Paths: Paved waterfront trail connects to broader Burke-Gilman Trail system

Volleyball: Sand volleyball court near beach

Lifeguards: On duty at swim beach during summer season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day, afternoon hours)

What’s Missing: No SUP rentals on-site (bring your own gear), no food vendors

Safety Considerations

Swim Area: Stay outside the roped/marked swimming zone. Respect swimmers’ space and launch from ends of beach away from main swim area.

Boat Traffic: Lake Washington’s northern section sees some motorboat traffic, especially summer weekends. Stay alert, look behind you regularly, stay visible.

Cold Water: Lake Washington stays 55-65°F even in summer. Know how to remount your board. Consider wetsuit in spring/fall.

Wind Awareness: Afternoon winds can create choppy conditions on Lake Washington. Morning is typically calmest.

Distance Paddling: If you paddle south toward Magnuson or far north, be aware you’re committing to distance. Make sure you have the fitness and skills for the return journey!

PFD Required: Washington State law requires Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each paddler.

Wildlife Respect: If you see eagles fishing or seals hunting, give them space (50-100 feet minimum). Observe, don’t harass.

Why Matthews Beach is Perfect for Certain Paddlers

You’ll Love Matthews Beach If You Want:

• Peaceful paddling without crowds
• Spectacular Mount Rainier photo opportunities
• Neighborhood beach atmosphere (not tourist scene)
• Easy parking without stress
• Genuine sandy beach experience
• Good facilities without commercial feel
• North Seattle location (convenient if you live nearby)

Consider Other Spots If You Want:

• Downtown urban energy (try Marina Park Kirkland or Gas Works)
• On-site SUP rentals (try Juanita Beach or Lake Sammamish State Park)
• Protected lagoon learning conditions (try Juanita Beach)
• Post-paddle dining/shopping (try Marina Park Kirkland)
• Major tourist attractions nearby (try Gas Works with Fremont neighborhood)

The Local Experience

Matthews Beach Regulars: This is a locals’ beach. You’ll see the same families, the same paddlers, the same dog walkers week after week. People say hello, chat about conditions, share the water respectfully.

Community Feel: Unlike touristy beaches where everyone’s a stranger, Matthews Beach has a neighborhood vibe. It’s welcoming but feels like you’re visiting a community space.

Quiet Mornings: Serious local paddlers know the secret – Matthews Beach at 7 AM on a Tuesday or Wednesday is sublime. Glass water, Mount Rainier glowing pink in dawn light, complete solitude.

Nearby Dining & Activities

Near Matthews Beach:

• Limited immediate dining options
• This is a residential neighborhood, not a commercial district
• Bring your own picnic and enjoy the park facilities!

Sand Point Area (1-2 miles):

• Small shopping centers with cafes and restaurants
• Grocery stores for picnic supplies

Lake City (2 miles):

• Diverse dining options
• Local restaurants and cafes
• Strip mall amenities

The Reality: Matthews Beach is about the paddling and park experience, not about dining/shopping. Pack a cooler, bring your lunch, enjoy the facilities!

Local Tips & Insider Knowledge

Rainier Timing: For best Mount Rainier views, paddle in morning (clearer air) or on those magical fall days after weather fronts pass through. Summer afternoons often have haze that obscures the mountain.

Photography: Position yourself 100-200 yards offshore looking south for the classic Matthews Beach shot – Mount Rainier rising from Lake Washington with no obstructions. Early morning golden light is best.

Best Season: September and early October can be spectacular. Fewer crowds, warm water from summer heating, clearer air for Rainier views, and beautiful fall light.

Weekday Secret: Matthews Beach on weekday mornings might be Seattle’s most peaceful SUP experience. You’ll wonder why anyone paddles anywhere else!

Winter Paddling: With proper cold-water gear (5mm wetsuit or drysuit), Matthews Beach is excellent year-round. Winter’s clearer air gives incredible mountain views, and you’ll have the water to yourself.

Burke-Gilman Trail: The famous bike/walk trail runs near Matthews Beach. Many locals bike to the beach rather than drive – consider it!

Compare to Magnuson: If you know Magnuson Park – Matthews Beach has similar water access but smaller scale, quieter vibe, and better Rainier views. Trade mile-long shoreline for peace and quiet.

What Makes Matthews Beach Special

In Seattle’s collection of excellent paddleboard launches, Matthews Beach doesn’t compete for “most iconic” (that’s Gas Works) or “biggest facilities” (Lake Sammamish State Park) or “downtown energy” (Marina Park Kirkland). Instead, Matthews Beach wins at something harder to define: it feels just right.

The beach is big enough without being overwhelming. The facilities are good without feeling institutional. The location is accessible without being touristy. The crowd level is social without being packed. The Mount Rainier views are spectacular without requiring long paddles to see them.

This is where North Seattle locals come to paddle when they want everything to be easy – easy parking, easy launch, easy paddling, easy afternoon. No stress, no crowds, just quality time on Lake Washington with The Mountain watching over you.

If you discover Matthews Beach and fall in love with its quiet charm, welcome to the secret that North Seattle paddlers have treasured for years!

Quick Reference: Matthews Beach SUP

Best For: Escaping crowds, Mount Rainier views, peaceful paddling, neighborhood beach vibe, North Seattle location

Water Conditions: Generally calm, somewhat protected from wind, depends on weather

Launch Difficulty: Easy – sandy beach, gradual slope

Parking: Good – free lot with 100+ spaces, rarely completely full

Crowd Factor: LOW – the big advantage!

Scenic Rating: 9/10 – Mount Rainier views are spectacular!

Beginner Friendly: 9/10 – easy launch, calm water, good facilities

Facilities: 8/10 – good restrooms, showers, picnic areas

Typical Paddle: 30-90 minutes depending on route

Mount Rainier Views: 10/10 – one of the best viewpoints!

Must-Do: Clear morning paddle with Mount Rainier reflected in glassy water!

Pro Tip: Come on a weekday morning before 9 AM for the ultimate peaceful paddle with Rainier views. You might have the entire beach to yourself! And check the mountain forecast – plan your Matthews Beach paddle for those 100 clear days when “The Mountain is out!”